On 05 December 2025, the 93rd Session of the Policy Commission, the World Customs Organization (WCO) steering body, concluded after three successful days, hosted by the Tax Administration of Guatemala (SAT) in Antigua.
Discussions focused on the WCO Strategic Plan’s focus areas, current issues in global Customs, and the way ahead for the organisation in the coming months.
Sessions were addressed by the WCO Secretary General, Council Chairman and Superintendent of Tax Administration of Guatemala, and the Vice-Minister of Public Finance of Guatemala.
WCO’s Strategic Plan in action
Opening the three-day discussions, the WCO Secretary General (SG) welcomed delegates and expressed sincere appreciation to Guatemala for its warm hospitality and to the attending government representatives, whose presence underscored Guatemala’s strong support for international Customs cooperation.
The secretary general highlighted the significance of this session as the first following the approval of the Strategic Plan 2025-2028. Acknowledging the growing complexity of global trade and the threats posed by transnational criminal organisations, he highlighted the need for adaptability, stronger partnerships, and the effective use of information.
Discussions centred around the Focus Areas of the Strategic Plan, notably data and technology, e-commerce and green customs. Participants also addressed the issue of supply chain integrity, anchored in the need to ensure that goods move securely, legally, and transparently, while preventing the risks of fraud, counterfeiting, illicit trafficking, or terrorism, in a context of accelerating flows and diversifying risks. The Policy Commission likewise deliberated on essential governance topics, including the implementation of the WCO Modernisation Plan and the Strategic Plan.
Policy Commission: A focal point for Customs
The chairperson of the Council expressed profound gratitude to the Government and people of Guatemala for their exceptional hospitality. The chairperson underlined Guatemala’s longstanding commitment to international trade, regional integration and a modern Customs administration - priorities shared by the many administrations present.
The chairperson then reflected on the strategic importance of the Policy Commission as the forum where the WCO’s direction is shaped, noting that issues facing Customs, such as trade complexity, criminal networks, digital transformation, environmental sustainability, workforce inclusion, and capacity building, directly affect Customs performance worldwide. The chairperson stressed the need for productive deliberations that strengthened the collective capacity to facilitate legitimate trade while safeguarding societies.
Guatemala’s commitment to international Customs cooperation
The Superintendent of Tax Administration of Guatemala said it was an honour to host the 93rd Session of the WCO Policy Commission, noting that he welcomed the international community’s confidence in Guatemala’s institutions and its longstanding commitment to Customs cooperation. The superintendent emphasised that, for Guatemala, modernisation, transparency, and cooperation had been key pillars in strengthening competitiveness, security, and trade governance. The superintendent further highlighted the remarkable progress achieved since Guatemala’s accession to the WCO in 1985.
Through close cooperation with the WCO, the administration had established itself as a modern and efficient one. Guatemala welcomed all delegations in a spirit of friendship and cooperation, reaffirming its commitment to building a more modern, transparent and reliable global Customs system, aligned with the WCO vision that “borders divide; Customs connects”.
The Vice-Minister of Public Finance of Guatemala noted that the decision to host this meeting reflected the country’s commitment and progress towards building a strong, technically oriented and internationally aligned Customs administration. Guatemala recognised the rapid transformation of global trade and the need for Customs administrations to become agile, predictive, interconnected and transparent. The vice-minister reaffirmed Guatemala’s commitment to actively contributing to the WCO’s work through technical exchanges and collaboration.
Next steps
A detailed report of the meeting will be published on the WCO website at the end of December for WCO members to consult.